As Pascal Chimbonda prepares to complete a trio of festive fixtures against former clubs, he admits he is relieved to be playing regular first-team football.

After two years with Tottenham, Pascal joined Sunderland in the summer of 2008, but returned to White Hart Lane in January after making just 16 appearances for the North East club.

The Frenchman then made just three starts in his second spell at Spurs, before joining Rovers earlier this season.

He said: "I had six months at Sunderland and when I arrived the manager gave me a good view of the club, which is why I went there.

"But after that, it all changed. I wanted to play regularly in the first team, but the manager didn't give me the opportunity to play.

"That is why I preferred to leave - to go and play somewhere else.

"I want to put that behind me now and work hard for my new club."